Title Promoter Affiliations Abstract "AI-Enabled Data Lifecycles Optimization and Data Spaces Integration for Increased Efficiency and Interoperability" "Frank Naets" "Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD)" "PLIADES advances the SoA dataspaces reference architectures, towards a step change on the use of data as key enabler of technological advances in AI and Robotics. To this end, PLIADES researches into novel, AI-enabled tools to advance full data life cycles integration, both within and between data spaces. Sustainable data creation methods through data compression, filtering and normalization will be developed, to allow efficient and greener storage in a data-oriented future. Data privacy and sovereignty will be further ensured, through standards and decentralized protocols to protect data-producing organizations and citizens. Alongside, data sharing will be revolutionized through novel AI-based brokers and connectors using extended metadata, shaped through the project’s best practices and domain expert’s knowledge. On top of these, active data discovery services through cross domain AI connectors will allow creating linked data spaces, enabling interoperability between previously disconnected entities, while data quality assessment services will facilitate real time data evaluation. Extended synergies with EU initiatives will be established in order to contribute models, strategies and technologies for a Common European Data Space. Our outcomes will be evaluated in six use cases focusing on direct advancements in key AI and Robotics technologies for everyday use, oriented around multiple data spaces; mobility, healthcare, industrial, energy and green deal. Our use cases provide a challenging validation suite involving vast heterogeneous data creation, management and sharing while addressing full data lifecycles in multiple major domains. Through the developed ecosystem, CCAM and ADAS/AD car technologies will be enhanced, HRI for robot operators and healthcare patients will be reshaped, while further advanced, integrated data spaces will be deployed in the healthcare, manufacturing and green deal sectors aiming to reduce carbon footprints and shape a greener future." "Cost-effective and replicable RES-integrated electrified heating and cooling systems for improved energy efficiency and demand response" "Lieve Helsen" "Applied Mechanics and Energy conversion (TME)" "SEEDS unites a multidisciplinary and complementary team of SMEs, LEs, RTOs, and stakeholders that constitute the whole (local) value chain of energy efficiency in buildings and thermal demand electrification, from planning, design, and construction to operation and commissioning. SEEDS is built upon the consortium's vast experience in developing, testing, and valorizing decarbonization solutions, supervising real-life demonstrations of building renovation and smartification, and deploying energy flexibility. SEEDS demonstrate replicable heat pump solutions integrated with renewable energy to decarbonize buildings' thermal demand. Addressing that every building is unique and requires tailored solutions to be cost-efficient and energy efficient, we develop scalable and generic design and operational optimization methodologies, deploy multiple proven heat pump technologies at scale, and optimally integrate them into the building and broader energy system. SEEDS demonstrates these (up to TRL6-8) in 6 pilot sites (incl. 1 replication site), providing real-world settings spread across the different climate zones and European construction markets. SEEDS is centered around three key themes: cost efficiency through optimization, system integration through holistic design and control, and replicability through configuration modularity and scalable building types. These are addressed in 7 focus areas: 1) Iterative design of the component and integrated system, 2) Secure and interoperable data platforms and IoT, 3) Integrated system optimization for energy efficiency and flexibility, 4) Deploying energy flexibility to enhance grid stability, 5) Replication strategies, exploitation, and business models, 6) Decision making support framework for replication, and 7) Dissemination, communication, and stakeholder outreach. Thanks to the 27 partners' wide-reached field of impact and networks, SEEDS is set out to boost the electrification of thermal demand in buildings." "Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Education" "Kristof De Witte" "Teacher Training, FEB, Leuven, Parenting and Special Education" "High-quality education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress. Despite large investments in education over the past few decades, the quality of education in some EU countries has stagnated or even deteriorated. Marginalized populations are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences arising from inadequate educational policies. Understanding the efficiency and (cost-)effectiveness of investment in quality education is crucial for allocating resources to where they could have the largest economic and social impacts. The EFFEct research project has been established as an impact-driven initiative that aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the quality of education. By investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of education systems and specific policies in EU countries by using (quasi-)experimental evidence, EFFEct advances knowledge in several critical areas, including diversity, equity and inclusion; teachers, trainers and digital transition; instruction and (adult-)learning. EFFEct has four interrelated objectives. Objective 1 offers novel insights on diversity, equity and inclusion by investigating targeted programs for disadvantaged students as well as religious and elite schools. Objective 2 investigates how teacher shortages can be mitigated and examines the role of digital environments. Objective 3 evaluates policies related to instruction, admission standards, and upskilling and reskilling of adults. Finally, objective 4 analyzes how the efficiency of EU educational systems has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic and establishes the main policy levers and qualitative insights that may explain efficiency changes. EFFEct brings together a multidisciplinary research team of economists, sociologists, (neuro-)psychologists, teacher trainers, education scientists, mathematicians, and sustainability and operational research experts from four European research universities, a research institute and a NGO." "High efficiency, high power density, cost effective, scalable and modular power electronics and control solutions for electric vehicles" "Michel De Paepe, Hendrik Vansompel" "Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, BLUEWAYS INTERNATIONAL BVBA, Tenneco (Belgium), Türk Otomobil Fabrikası (Turkey), AVL DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, Ilmenau University of Technology, ELAPHE POGONSKE TEHNOLOGIJE DOO" "Focused on BEV architectures with distributed multiple wheel drives, and, specifically, in-wheel powertrains, HighScape will explore the feasibility of a family of highly efficient power electronics components and systems, and including integrated traction inverters, on-board chargers, DC/DC converters, and electric drives for auxiliaries and actuators. The proposed solutions will be assessed on test rigs and on two differently sized BEV prototypes. The project will result in: i) component integration with the incorporation of the WBG traction inverters within the in-wheel machines to achieve zero footprint of the electric powertrain on the sprung mass; the functional integration of the traction inverter with the on-board charger, and the incorporation of the latter and the DC/DC converters within the battery pack; and the implementation of multi-motor and fault-tolerant inverter solutions for the auxiliaries and chassis actuators; ii) novel solutions, including the implementation of reconfigurable winding topologies of the drive, as well as integrated and predictive thermal management at the vehicle level, with the adoption of phase changing materials within the power electronics components; iii) the achievement and demonstration of significantly higher levels of power density, specific power and energy efficiency for the resulting power electronics systems and related drives; iv) major cost reductions thanks to the dual use of parts, subsystem modularity, and model-based design to eliminate overengineering; and v) increased dependability and reliability of the power electronics systems, enabled by design and intelligent predictive health monitoring algorithms. Through HighScape, the participants will establish new knowledge and industrial leadership in key digital technologies, and, therefore, directly contribute to Europe’s Key Strategic Orientations as well as actively support the transformation towards zero tailpipe emission road mobility (2Zero)." "NICKEFFECT : Ni-BASED FERROMAGNETIC COATINGS WITH ENHANCED EFFICIENCY TO REPLACE Pt IN ENERGY & DIGITAL STORAGE APPLICATIONS" "Annick Hubin" "Elsyca (Belgium), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Fundacíon Cidetec, Europese Commissie - INEA, Electrochemical and Surface Engineering, Earth System Sciences, Materials and Chemistry" "Platinum group metals (PGM) are currently highly demanded due to their unique properties which have made them indispensable in different strategic sectors as renewable energy, electric mobility and digital technologies. Unfortunately, PGMs are costly and Europe depends on their importation from other continents, which is nowadays a high risk for the development of strategic applications in key industrial sectors. For these reasons PGMs are categorized as critical raw materials (CRM) by the EC. Thus, finding alternatives to them is critical for the EU economy. In this context, NICKEFFECT project has identified an opportunity to replace these materials in key applications as electrolysers electrodes, fuel cells catalysts and magneto-electronic devices. NICKEFFECT will develop and validate at least 3 new materials, together with the coating methodologies (including process modelling) and decision support tools for materials selection (integrating safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) criteria and materials modelling)." "PORTable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions (PIONEERS)" "Research & Valorisation, Port of Antwerp, PSA Antwerp, Procter & Gamble, Antwerp Euroterminal, Seafar, IMEC vzw, De Meyer, City of Antwerp, Infrabel, L’al Belge NV, Tct Belgium NV, Flemish Department of Mobility/Environment , Mediterranean Shipping Company Belgium NV, Lineas N.V, Flemish Institution for Technological Research N.V, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration In Europe, European Inland waterway transport Platform, International Union of Public Transport , Scientific and Technical Center of Construction , Antwerp Management School, University of Antwerp" "PIONEERS accelerates the deployment of technological, non-technological and socially innovative solutions and their widespread adoption at European and global level to facilitate the process of becoming sustainable, smart, green and resilient, starting from the Lighthouse port (Antwerp) and the three fellow ports (Barcelona, Constanta and Venlo). PIONEERS achieves this by (i) defining a framework which empowers the lighthouse and fellows to work on the co-definition and co-transfer processes, anticipating significant impact in their business ecosystem and transforming innovations into transferable solutions (ii) identifying all the technological and non- technological dimensions that make the achievements of the lighthouse fully adoptable, (iii) empowering a community of stakeholders to ensure the immediate contribution to the wide take-up and market adoption of these solutions for future green ports and iv) providing tailored Master Plans to ports as guidelines to refine their strategy to accomplish the defined targets and objectives. " "Portable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions (PIONEERS)." "Thierry Vanelslander" "Shanghai Maritime University, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, City of Antwerp, Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI), International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), International Association of Public Transport, IMEC, Maastricht University, Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), University of Genoa, Vlaamse Gewest, Panteia bv, Antwerp Management School (AMS), Transport and Regional Economics" "PIONEERS brings together four ports with different characteristics, but shared commitments towards meeting the Green Deal goals and Blue Growth socio-economic aims, in order to address the challenge for European ports of reducing GHG emissions while remaining competitive. In order to achieve these ambitions, the Ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Venlo and Constanta will implement green port innovation demonstrations across four main pillars: clean energy production and supply, sustainable port design, modal shift and flows optimization, and digital transformation. Actions include: renewable energy generation and deployment of electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles; building and heating networks retrofit for energy efficiency and implementation of circular economy approaches in infrastructure works; together with deployment of digital platforms (utilising AI and 5G technologies) to promote modal shift of passengers and freight, ensure optimised vehicle, vessel and container movements and allocations, and facilitate vehicle automation. These demonstrations form integrated packages aligned with other linked activities of the ports and their neighbouring city communities. Forming an Open Innovation Network for exchange, the ports, technology and support partners will progress through project phases of innovation demonstration, scale-up and cotransferability. Rigorous innovation and transfer processes will address technology evaluation and business case development for exploitation, as well as creating the institutional, regulatory and financial frameworks for green ports to flourish from technical innovation pilots to widespread solutions. These processes will inform and be undertaken in parallel with masterplan development and refinement, providing a Master Plan and roadmap for energy transition at the PIONEERS ports, and handbook to guide green port planning and implementation for different typologies of ports across Europe." "Portable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions (PIONEERS)." "Wim Van den bergh" "Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research (SuPAR), Shanghai Maritime University, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, City of Antwerp, Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI), International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), International Association of Public Transport, IMEC, Maastricht University, Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), University of Genoa, Vlaamse Gewest, Panteia bv, Antwerp Management School (AMS), Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)" "PIONEERS brings together four ports with different characteristics, but shared commitments towards meeting the Green Deal goals and Blue Growth socio-economic aims, in order to address the challenge for European ports of reducing GHG emissions while remaining competitive. In order to achieve these ambitions, the Ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Venlo and Constanta will implement green port innovation demonstrations across four main pillars: clean energy production and supply, sustainable port design, modal shift and flows optimization, and digital transformation. Actions include: renewable energy generation and deployment of electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles; building and heating networks retrofit for energy efficiency and implementation of circular economy approaches in infrastructure works; together with deployment of digital platforms (utilising AI and 5G technologies) to promote modal shift of passengers and freight, ensure optimised vehicle, vessel and container movements and allocations, and facilitate vehicle automation. These demonstrations form integrated packages aligned with other linked activities of the ports and their neighbouring city communities. Forming an Open Innovation Network for exchange, the ports, technology and support partners will progress through project phases of innovation demonstration, scale-up and cotransferability. Rigorous innovation and transfer processes will address technology evaluation and business case development for exploitation, as well as creating the institutional, regulatory and financial frameworks for green ports to flourish from technical innovation pilots to widespread solutions. These processes will inform and be undertaken in parallel with masterplan development and refinement, providing a Master Plan and roadmap for energy transition at the PIONEERS ports, and handbook to guide green port planning and implementation for different typologies of ports across Europe." "Portable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions (PIONEERS)." "Jan Steckel" "Shanghai Maritime University, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, City of Antwerp, Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI), International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), International Association of Public Transport, IMEC, Maastricht University, Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), University of Genoa, Vlaamse Gewest, Panteia bv, Antwerp Management School (AMS), Co-Design of Cyber-Physical Systems (Cosys-Lab)" "PIONEERS brings together four ports with different characteristics, but shared commitments towards meeting the Green Deal goals and Blue Growth socio-economic aims, in order to address the challenge for European ports of reducing GHG emissions while remaining competitive. In order to achieve these ambitions, the Ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Venlo and Constanta will implement green port innovation demonstrations across four main pillars: clean energy production and supply, sustainable port design, modal shift and flows optimization, and digital transformation. Actions include: renewable energy generation and deployment of electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles; building and heating networks retrofit for energy efficiency and implementation of circular economy approaches in infrastructure works; together with deployment of digital platforms (utilising AI and 5G technologies) to promote modal shift of passengers and freight, ensure optimised vehicle, vessel and container movements and allocations, and facilitate vehicle automation. These demonstrations form integrated packages aligned with other linked activities of the ports and their neighbouring city communities. Forming an Open Innovation Network for exchange, the ports, technology and support partners will progress through project phases of innovation demonstration, scale-up and cotransferability. Rigorous innovation and transfer processes will address technology evaluation and business case development for exploitation, as well as creating the institutional, regulatory and financial frameworks for green ports to flourish from technical innovation pilots to widespread solutions. These processes will inform and be undertaken in parallel with masterplan development and refinement, providing a Master Plan and roadmap for energy transition at the PIONEERS ports, and handbook to guide green port planning and implementation for different typologies of ports across Europe." "High Efficiency wiReless CMOS transceiver boosted by artificial intelligencE for 6G bandS and beyond" "Sofie Pollin" "Waves: Core Research and Engineering (WaveCore)" "The future of wireless communications will go beyond connecting people or things to connecting smart robots or unmanned vehicles without human intervention. Only sub-THz frequencies can offer the spectrum to achieve unprecedented communication throughput. Yet current technologies suffer from barriers that prevent mass-market operations, such as high cost, limited bandwidth or power-hungry hardware not compatible with autonomous systems. HERMES proposes the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep sub-micron CMOS technology to open a new generation of wireless transceivers. The project will focus on sub-THz frequencies between 140 and 160GHz, and will break new ground in the conversion of information from digital to THz using European CMOS technology to develop a highly integrated transceiver. For the first time, HERMES will deliver to the telecommunications industry a disruptive way of designing transceivers, with impact on production of billions of units that can be implemented in any autonomous system to communicate. This new wireless link will be a springboard for an innovation leap in the robotics and the security industry. Our ambitious and risky approach goes significantly beyond the SoA: we will demonstrate that the power of AI developed by computer sciences research and associated with an original electronics signal processing technique can push CMOS technology to release outstanding performances. The project will produce a chipset of a low-cost radio that exchanges tens of Gbps and will test it in use cases of unmanned vehicles applied to maritime border surveillance operated by civil authorities. The HERMES consortium brings together 6 partners from 5 European countries bridging the full value chain of academic research, technology transfer and industry."